Recently, Jordi Alba announced that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the season with Inter Miami. Following the announcement, Lionel Messi commented on the defender’s post with a heartfelt message.
The Argentine and the Spaniard formed a formidable partnership during their time together at Barcelona, where Alba assisted Messi countless times down the left flank. Now together at Inter Miami, the connection between the two has continued — and still works just like in the old days.
“Thank you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you so much. After everything we’ve been through together, it’s going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there… It’s crazy how many assists you’ve given me over the years… Who’s going to give me those back passes now???” Messi wrote on Alba’s Instagram post.
According to statistics site Transfermarkt, Messi and Alba have played a total of 413 matches together during their time at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Over that span, the Argentine scored 33 goals assisted by the Spanish full-back, while Alba netted 15 goals assisted by Messi.
Jordi Alba on his connection with Messi
The partnership between Messi and Alba at Barcelona is arguably one of the best ever seen between a forward and a defender in soccer. The two constantly looked for each other on the field, and even though opponents knew what was coming, they were rarely able to stop them.
Years ago, while still playing for Barcelona, Jordi Alba spoke with El Día Después on Movistar+ and explained that his connection with Messi wasn’t something they practiced — it came naturally.
“We didn’t work on it. Both Leo and I look for each other a lot. If I pass him the ball, I know he’ll create danger or score, so I always try to find him. Even though opponents know us better every day, now I also try to pass to other teammates. It’s not something rehearsed. It just happens,” Alba said at the time.
